Feb 6, 2004

In a recent revision, Syngenta Professional Products has reworded the label for Medallion Fungicide for use on geraniums.

The previous label held that Medallion was tested and found to be safe for geraniums. According to Syngenta, internal data continues to support the safety of

Medallion on this crop, but some growers have voiced some concerns regarding its use and safety on geraniums. Claims included stunting on some varieties grown under certain conditions while using the fungicide.

According to Chuck Buffington, lawn and ornamental marketing manager for Syngenta, the label has only been altered so that geraniums are no longer a recommended crop. Meaning it is not illegal to use the product on geraniums, just cautioned. Essentially, Syngenta likes to have a certain margin of error built into each product so that if someone over applies, no phyto occurs. Syngenta feels most comfortable with 4x the label rate as its buffer. Testing found that with geraniums and New Guineas, it only has 2x, and doesn’t think this is enough buffer to recommend usage.

Further investigation also discovered that growers who had a problem with Medallion on geraniums were using a heavy foliar application method instead of the recommended drench. Syngenta found indications that geraniums exhibit a lower tolerance to misapplication and higher use rates than other ornamental crops.

Syngenta feels that, based on this lower safety factor with geraniums, it is in growers best interests to understand these issues and utilize other effective compounds for its geranium disease control programs in the future. This will eliminate any potential for growers to experience crop stunting due to over application or poor spraying techniques.

The label has been modified to say, “Foliar or drench applications to some Geranium varieties may cause stunting or chlorosis at higher rates. Responses may vary depending on environmental conditions. Medallion should be tested on a limited area to evaluate for any possible damage before proceeding with treatment of the entire crop.”

For more information or questions regarding the new label contact the Syngenta Customer Resource Center at (866) 796-4368.

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